Hearing God’s Voice from His Word
James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Take a moment and turn your attention to God. Tell God that you desire to trust and obey Him. Ask God to speak to you from His word.
Psalm of the Day
Psalm 142:1-2 I cry aloud to the Lord; I plead aloud to the Lord for mercy.
2 I pour out my complaint before him; I reveal my trouble to him.
Read the Entire Psalm
To the Lord. If you have trouble or a complaint. You can bring it to the Lord. He hears. He cares. If you do not have pressing trouble, consider the awe-inspiring reality that the Holy, Triune God – would hear your plea for mercy. Praise Him that he is so vast that he can see and hear you.
SCRIPTURE READING:
Luke 2:25-38 – Christian Standard Bible
25 There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,
29 Now, Master,
you can dismiss your servant in peace,
as you promised.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You have prepared it
in the presence of all peoples—
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and glory to your people Israel.
33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and was a widow for eighty-four years. She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. 38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Having God’s Ear through Prayer
- Express thanksgiving to God.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal sin to you.
- Confess your sin to Him and receive forgiveness.
(1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sin He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins.”) - Bring your personal requests to God.
(Psalm 62:8 “Pour out your heart before God”) - Pray for someone in your small group.
- Join with others from River and pray again for two of our overseas friends. Pray for Amelia. Ask God to encourage her and give her opportunities to make the gospel known. Pray also for Isaac and Suzanne as they serve at Black Forest Academy.
Living as God’s People by applying the Bible
Scripture Reflection from the Sermon
Christmastime is a wonderful time to share with others the hope of salvation. My prayer is that we would lean into this challenge as we seek to be people who are exemplified by gospel readiness, “ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). As gospel people, I hope that we are kinds of people who naturally and easily talk about the living hope within us. One of the great ways we can be encouraged to share the gospel with others is to reflect on how God saved us. Spend some time today reflecting and thanking God for how the gospel has transformed your life. As you think about the glorious way Christ saved you when you were still his enemy, may this fill you with thanksgiving and lead to joyful exultation as you share this good news with the world around you.